Washing machine

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to washing machines, and more particularly, to a washing machine having two laundry holding spaces within one cabinet. In addition to this, the present invention relates to a washing machine which has a handling unit mounted to each of the washing machines provided in one cabinet separately for improving a user&#39;s convenience. The washing machine includes a cabinet, a main drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry, a supplementary drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry, and a handling unit for enabling separate controlling of driving of the supplementary drum.

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0118964, filed on Nov. 21, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to washing machines, and more particularly, to a washing machine having two laundry treatment spaces within one cabinet.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

In general, the washing machine is a device for washing or drying laundry or washing and drying the laundry. Recently, the washing machines are provided with steam supply units additionally for performing a refresh function for removing wrinkles or smell from the laundry.

In the meantime, in related art washing machines, there are front loading type washing machines and top loading type washing machines depending on a direction of laundry introduction, and vertical shaft type washing machines in which pulsators or washing tubs rotate and horizontal type washing machines in which horizontally laid drums rotate depending on a washing type.

In general, each home has one large sized washing machine. Therefore, if it is intended to wash the laundry sorted by kinds, the washing machine can not, but be used many times.

For an example, if it is intended to wash the laundry, sorting the laundry into large volume laundry, such as laundry from grown-up persons and blankets, and small volume laundry, such as baby clothes and undergarments, it is required to operate the washing machine once more for washing the small sized laundry after finishing washing of the large sized laundry.

Accordingly, the washing and drying by using only one washing machine causes the following problems.

First, the many times of operation of the washing machine for washing the small volume laundry increases power consumption and a washing time period.

Second, since a general washing machine has no washing course for fine laundry, washing fine laundry, such as undergarment which is susceptible to damage, with the general washing machine is not suitable.

Third, if a user purchase a small sized washing machine for washing the small volume laundry additionally, an additional space for installation of the small sized washing machine and an expense therefor is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a washing machine.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which has two laundry holding spaces in one body for reducing a production cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which can display a laundry treating state of a washing machine provided to one body additionally for treating small volume laundry to improve convenience of user.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a washing machine includes a cabinet, a main drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry, a supplementary drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry, and a handling unit for enabling separate controlling of driving of the supplementary drum.

The handling unit may include an input unit for inputting a function of the supplementary drum, and a first display unit for displaying an input state set at the input unit and an operation state of the supplementary drum.

The washing machine may further include a partition for positioning the main drum and the supplementary drum separated in the cabinet.

The main drum is positioned on an upper side of the partition and the drawer is positioned on a lower side of the partition.

The washing machine may further includes a first water supply unit for supplying washing water to the main drum, and a second water supply unit for supplying washing water to the supplementary drum.

The washing machine may further include a first drain unit for draining the washing water from the main drum, and a second drain unit for draining the washing water from the supplementary drum.

In another aspect of the present invention, a washing machine includes a cabinet, a main drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry, a drawer drawably mounted in the cabinet, a supplementary drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry, and a handling unit for enabling separate controlling of driving of the supplementary drum.

The drawer may include a front panel which forms a front exterior of the drawer, and a drum housing unit for housing the supplementary drum.

The handling unit may include an input unit for inputting a function of the supplementary drum, and a first display unit for displaying an input state of functions set at the input unit, and an operation state of the supplementary drum.

The drawer may further include a front panel which forms a front exterior of the drawer, and the input unit is mounted to a top surface of the front panel.

The drawer may further include a front panel which forms a front exterior of the drawer, and the first display unit is mounted to the top surface of the front panel.

The washing machine may further include a second display unit for displaying an operation state of the supplementary drum.

The drawer may further include a front panel which forms a front exterior of the drawer, and the first display unit is mounted to the top surface of the front panel, and the second display unit is mounted to a front surface of the front panel.

The washing machine may further include a partition for positioning the main drum and the drawer separated in the cabinet.

The main drum may be positioned on an upper side of the partition and the drawer may be positioned on a lower side of the partition.

The washing machine may further includes a first water supply unit for supplying washing water to the main drum, and a second water supply unit for supplying washing water to the supplementary drum.

The washing machine may further include a first drain unit for draining the washing water from the main drum, and a second drain unit for draining the washing water from the supplementary drum.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a washing machine in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a washing machine.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a drawer in a washing machine of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a first variation of a drawer in a washing machine of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a second variation of a drawer in a washing machine of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, the washing machine 10 includes a cabinet 20 which forms an exterior of the washing machine 10, and a control panel 15 on a top surface of the cabinet 20.

The control panel 15 includes a control unit for controlling operation of the washing machine, and a display unit for displaying an operation state. According to this, by handling the control panel 15, the user can treat the laundry.

In the meantime, the washing machine 10 may include a support 30 for supporting the cabinet 20. The cabinet 20 is placed on a top of the support 30.

The support 30 serves to support the washing machine. However, since the support 30 is separate from the cabinet 20, to require fastening the cabinet 20 to the support with fastening means, such as bolts, and so on, to require components additionally, fabrication of the washing machine becomes complicate.

Therefore, it is preferable that the support 30 is fabricated as one unit with the cabinet 20. Accordingly, a washing machine will be described, which has the support 30 fabricated as one unit with the cabinet 20.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a washing machine in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the washing machine 100 includes a cabinet 200 which forms an exterior of the washing machine 100, a main drum 300 rotatably mounted in the cabinet 200 to have a space for holding laundry, and a supplementary drum 500 mounted to be pushed in/pulled out of the cabinet 200 to have a space for holding the laundry. It is preferable that the supplementary drum 500 is rotatably mounted in the cabinet 200.

Accordingly, since both the large volume laundry and the small volume laundry can be treated with one washing machine without requiring a washing machine for treating the small volume laundry additionally, user's convenience can be improved. Moreover, in comparison to a case when both the large volume laundry and the small volume laundry are washed with separate washing machines respectively, the washing time period and the power consumption can be reduced.

Both the main drum 300 and the supplementary drum 500 are mounted to one cabinet 200 which forms an exterior of the laundry washing machine 100. However, the main drum 300 and the supplementary drum 500 are positioned in spaces of the cabinet separated by a partition 210, respectively.

Since the main drum 300 and the supplementary drum 500 are mounted in one cabinet 200 together, individual fabrication of cabinets for the main drum 300 and the supplementary drum 500 are not required, enabling to save a cost required for fabrication of an additional cabinet.

The washing machine of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. The main drum 300, positioned on an upper side of an inside space of the cabinet 200 divided by the partition 210, washes or dries the large volume laundry. However, the position of the main drum 300 is not limited to above, but the main drum 300 may be mounted to a space on a lower side of the partition 210.

The main drum 300 has a rotation shaft at one side for rotating the main drum. The rotation shaft is mounted in the cabinet 200 parallel to the partition 210. And an outer tub 360 is mounted to an outside of the main drum 300 additionally. The main drum 300 may have a main drum door 310 mounted to a front of the cabinet 200 for introduction of the laundry to the main drum 300.

The main drum door 310 can be opened/closed for enabling user's easy introduction of the laundry to the main drum 300. Main drum doors of various opening/closing types may be employed as far as above function can be made.

In the meantime, though not shown, a vertical shaft type washing machine is also viable, in which the main drum 300 is rotated by a vertical shaft which is vertical to the partition 210 for washing or drying the laundry.

The control panel 110 is mounted on a top of the cabinet 200 for controlling operation, and displaying operation, of the main drum 300. Therefore, by handling the control panel 1, the user can wash or dry the laundry in the main drum 300.

In the meantime, the supplementary drum 500 has a configuration for washing or drying the small volume laundry. The supplementary drum 500 is rotated by a rotation shaft which is vertical to a bottom surface of the cabinet 200, and has a plurality of pass through holes in a side wall for flow in/out of the washing water. The supplementary drum 500 has a water holding tub 530 on an outside of the supplementary drum 500 for holding the washing water, additionally.

The supplementary drum 500 may be positioned over or under the main drum 300. However, because frequency of washing the small volume laundry is lower than frequency of washing the large volume laundry, it is preferable that the supplementary drum 500 is positioned under the main drum 300.

In addition to this, the washing machine 100 includes a drawer 400 additionally for housing the supplementary drum 500 and being drawable in a front direction of the cabinet 200. The drawer 400 includes a front panel 410 which forms a front exterior of the drawer 400, and a drum housing portion 420 which is a space for housing the supplementary drum 500 therein.

The drawer 400 includes a frame 524 for covering the drawer 400, and it is preferable that the frame 524 and the water holding tub 530 are formed as one unit. A supplementary drum door 510 may be mounted to a top of the water holding tub 530 for user's introduction of the small volume laundry.

Though not shown in the drawing, the supplementary drum door 510 may include a variety of locking device for locking the supplementary drum door 510. The supplementary drum door 510 can prevent the washing water from splashing to an outside of the supplementary drum 500.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a drawer in a washing machine of the present invention.

The drawer in a washing machine in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The drawer 400 has an handling unit 160 on the front panel 410 for handling driving of the supplementary drum 300.

The handling unit 160 includes an input unit 164 for user's inputting of functions of the supplementary drum 500 for operation of the supplementary drum 500. The handling unit 160 includes a display unit 162 and 163 (See FIG. 5) for displaying an operation state of the supplementary drum 500 or an input state set by the input unit 164.

The input unit 164 enables the user to input a desired order or a washing course with a plurality of buttons. The input unit 164 may be mounted to a top surface 412 or the front surface of the front panel 410.

However, since the drawer 400 which houses the supplementary drum 500 has a structure drawable in a front direction of the cabinet 200, it is preferable that the input unit 164 is mounted to the top surface 412 of the front panel 410 for making easy input in a state the drawer 400 is drawn.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a second variation of a drawer in a washing machine of the present invention.

A display unit mounted to a drawer in the washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The display unit may include a first display unit 162 for displaying an input state of the input unit 164 and an operation state of the supplementary drum 500, and a second display unit 163 for displaying only an operation state of the supplementary drum 500.

Positions of the first display unit 162 and the second display unit 163 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

According to the drawer shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the first display unit 162 is mounted to the top surface 412 of the front panel 410.

This is because the user can make easy notice of the input state of the input unit 164 and the operation state of the supplementary drum 400 without bending his(her) back forward.

In the meantime, according to the first variation of the drawer shown in FIG. 5, the second display unit 163 is mounted to the front surface of the front panel 410.

This is because the second display unit 163 displays only the operation state of the supplementary drum 500 of a washing course or the like selected at the input unit 164.

That is, user's notice of the operation state of the supplementary drum 500 in a state the drawer 400 is pushed in the cabinet 200 is preferable in view of convenience of the user.

Moreover, according to the third preferred embodiment of the washing machine shown in FIG. 6, both the first display unit 162 and the second display unit 163 may be mounted to the front panel 410 together. This is for enabling the user to notice the operation state of the supplementary drum 500 even in a state the drawer 400 is pulled out of the cabinet 200 or pushed back into the cabinet 200.

Other components of the washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The drawer 400 has a second driving unit mounted therein for transmission of a driving power to the supplementary drum 500. The second driving unit may be provided separate from the first driving unit 350 which transmits a driving power to the main drum 300.

For an example, the second driving unit includes a motor 150 for transmission of rotating force to the supplementary drum 500, a driving pulley 152 connected to the rotation shaft of the motor 150, a follower pulley 156 connected to a rotation shaft of the supplementary drum 500, and a belt 154 which connects the driving pulley 152 to the follower pulley 156.

Accordingly, if the motor 150 rotates, the follower pulley 156 rotates through the driving pulley 152 and the belt 154. If the supplementary drum 500 rotates in right/left directions accordingly, to perform washing, rinsing and spinning courses.

In a case only the supplementary drum 500 is put into operation for washing the small volume laundry, since only the second driving unit is driven, which is provided separate from the first driving unit 350, power consumption required for the washing can be reduced.

The first driving unit 350 may be mounted in rear of the main drum 300, to drive only the main drum 300 separately for washing the large volume laundry.

In the meantime, referring to FIG. 3, a second water supply unit is mounted in the drawer 400 for supplying the washing water to the supplementary drum 500. The second water supply unit may be provided separate from a first water supply unit 330 which supplies the washing water to the main drum 300.

For an example, the second water supply unit includes a water supply pipe 134 and a water supply valve 132 for supplying the washing water to an upper portion of the water holding tub 530. The water supply pipe 134 has one end connected to the upper portion of the water holding tub 530, and the other end fixed to an outside wall of the drawer 400. The water supply valve 132 is positioned between the water holding tub and the outside wall of the drawer. In the meantime, it is preferable that the water supply pipe 134 is constructed of a material, or has a structure which is extendable in a pulling out direction of the drawer and contractible in a pushing in direction of the drawer.

This is because it is required that the water supply pipe 134 is extendable when the drawer 400 is pulled out in a front direction of the cabinet 200, and is contractible when the drawer 400 is pushed back into the cabinet 200.

The first water supply unit 330 is connected to a top of the main drum 300 for supplying the washing water to the main drum 300.

In the meantime, referring to FIG. 3, a second drain unit is mounted in the drawer 400 for draining the washing water from the supplementary drum 500 to an outside of the washing machine. The second drain unit may be provided separate from a first drain unit 320 which drains the washing water from the main drum 300 to an outside of the washing machine.

The second drain unit may include a drain pipe 124 and a drain pump 122 for draining the washing water. The drain pipe 124 has one end connected to an underside of the water holding tub 530, and the other end fixed to an outside wall of the drawer 400. The drain pipe 124 has a drain pump 122 mounted thereto, and alike to the water supply pipe 134, it is preferable that the drain pump 122 is constructed of a material, or has a structure which is extendable in a drawing direction of the drawer.

The first drain unit is connected to an underside of the main drum 300 for draining the washing water having finished the washing to an outside of the washing machine.

The operation of the washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

If the user intends to wash the large volume laundry, the main drum door 310 is opened, the laundry is introduced through the main drum door 310, and the main drum door 310 is closed. Then, upon applying an operation order for operating the main drum to the control panel 110 (See FIG. 2), the control unit (not shown) controls to supply the washing water from the first water supply unit 330 to the outer tub 360. Then, after washing the laundry by rotating the main drum 300 with the first driving unit 350, the washing water is drained to an outside of the washing machine through the first drain unit 320.

On the other hand, if the user intends to wash the small volume laundry, after the user pulls out the drawer in the cabinet 100 in a front direction of the cabinet 100. Then, the user opens the supplementary drum door 510, introduces the small volume laundry to the supplementary drum 500 and closes the supplementary drum door 510.

Then, if the user applies a washing course for the supplementary drum 500 to the input unit 164 on the top surface of the front panel 410, the input state of the input unit 164 is displayed on the first display unit 162.

Thereafter, the second water supply unit supplies the washing water to the water holding tub 530 under the control of the control unit(not shown), the motor 150 rotates the supplementary drum 500 to wash the laundry. The washing water is drained to an outside of the washing machine through the drain pipe 124 after the washing is finished.

In this instance, since the operation state of the supplementary drum 500 is displayed on the first display unit 162 or the second display unit 163 on the top surface 412 of the front panel 410, the user can notice progress of the washing, easily.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As has been described, the washing machine of the present invention has the following advantages.

First, since no additional space is required for installation of the small capacity washing machine, the washing machine has no limitation on an installation space.

Second, the provision of a large capacity washing machine and a small capacity washing machine within on body permits to provide a washing machine having a simple structure and an elegant exterior.

Third, the provision of a separate device for handling the small capacity washing machine can provide convenience to the user in washing. 

1. A washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a main drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry; a supplementary drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry; and a handling unit for enabling controlling of driving of the supplementary drum.
 2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handling unit includes; an input unit for inputting a function of the supplementary drum; and a first display unit for displaying an input state set at the input unit and an operation state of the supplementary drum.
 3. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a partition for positioning the main drum and the supplementary drum separated in the cabinet.
 4. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the main drum is positioned on an upper side of the partition and the drawer is positioned on a lower side of the partition.
 5. The washing machine as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: a first water supply unit for supplying washing water to the main drum, and a second water supply unit for supplying washing water to the supplementary drum.
 6. The washing machine as claimed in claim 5, further comprising: a first drain unit for draining the washing water from the main drum, and a second drain unit for draining the washing water from the supplementary drum.
 7. A washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a main drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry; a drawer drawably mounted in the cabinet; a supplementary drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry; and a handling unit for enabling controlling of driving of the supplementary drum.
 8. The washing machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein the drawer includes; a front panel which forms a front exterior of the drawer, and a drum housing unit for housing the supplementary drum.
 9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein the handling unit includes; an input unit for inputting a function of the supplementary drum, and a first display unit for displaying an input state of functions set at the input unit, and an operation state of the supplementary drum.
 10. The washing machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the drawer further includes a front panel which forms a front exterior of the drawer, and the input unit is mounted to a top surface of the front panel.
 11. The washing machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the drawer further includes a front panel which forms a front exterior of the drawer, and the first display unit is mounted to the top surface of the front panel.
 12. The washing machine as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a second display unit for displaying an operation state of the supplementary drum.
 13. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the drawer further includes a front panel which forms a front exterior of the drawer, and the first display unit is mounted to the top surface of the front panel, and the second display unit is mounted to a front surface of the front panel.
 14. The washing machine as claimed in one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a partition for positioning the main drum and the drawer separated in the cabinet.
 15. The washing machine as claimed in claim 14, wherein the main drum is positioned on an upper side of the partition and the drawer is positioned on a lower side of the partition.
 16. The washing machine as claimed in claim 14, further comprising: a first water supply unit for supplying washing water to the main drum, and a second water supply unit for supplying washing water to the supplementary drum.
 17. The washing machine as claimed in claim 14, further comprising: a first drain unit for draining the washing water from the main drum, and a second drain unit for draining the washing water from the supplementary drum. 